The CDC's National Center for Health Statistics counted 2,041,926 marriages in 2023, a rate of 6.1 per 1,000 people, the latest national figure we could confirm. Industry sources put the number of weddings in 2025 at around two million: The Wedding Report counted about 2,011,044 weddings.
Marriage rates vary hugely by state. Nevada's rate is far above every other state, largely because of destination weddings in Las Vegas, and Hawaii and Utah are also among the highest.
According to the Census Bureau, the median age at first marriage in 2025 was about 30.8 for men and 28.4 for women. The Knot's 2025 study put the average age of couples at around 32.
Average guest counts depend on the survey: The Knot reports about 117 for weddings held in 2025, while Zola's survey of couples marrying in 2026 reports about 145. The Knot's study found Gen Z couples averaged 129 guests and millennials 112.
You will read that micro-weddings are booming. The hard data does not clearly show it: Zola's own figures show guest counts holding steady, and its 2026 report points instead to couples adding events around the wedding. About 37 percent host an extra event such as a welcome party or brunch, and about 18 percent hold a two- or three-day wedding weekend.
The Knot's 2026 study found 61 percent of Gen Z couples write their own vows, and a significant share choose eco-friendly or locally sourced options. Technology is spreading fast: The Knot found 36 percent of engaged couples use AI in planning, nearly double the year before, while Zola's survey put it at 54 percent. The figures differ because the studies measure different things, but both show strong growth, mostly for etiquette questions and timelines, and most couples say AI has no place in writing vows.
Gen Z is now a large share of couples: 41 percent according to The Knot and 51 percent according to Zola, the first majority in its survey.
Lab-grown diamonds now make up about 61 percent of engagement ring center stones, up more than threefold since 2020, according to The Knot's 2026 study, and the average ring spend is around $4,600.
Cost pressure is part of nearly every conversation. The Knot found 85 percent of couples say the economy affected their planning, and 52 percent spent more than their initial budget. Zola found 78 percent worry about economic conditions or tariffs and 84 percent think weddings cost more than two years ago. Bank of America Institute reported wedding-related card spending up about 8.5 percent year on year in mid-2026.
May through October remains the peak, with June and October the most popular months and Saturday the most popular day. Courthouse and city hall weddings are also booming in some places, as couples hold a small legal ceremony and plan a celebration separately.
If you are planning now, the picture is of couples who are flexible on dates, careful with budgets and keen to use better tools. MarryHQ is built for that kind of planning.
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